Umbilical Cord Complications: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Methods

An umbilical cord is an infant’s lifeline during gestation. It supplies vital nutrients, blood, and oxygen to the growing fetus, ensuring that it develops full-term with no issues. It also carries waste produced by the fetus to the placenta.

Despite its importance, the umbilical cord sometimes becomes compressed if the placenta, vaginal walls, or the baby’s weight put undue tension on the cord during delivery, labor, or pregnancy. Cord compression restricts the flow of oxygen and blood to the infant, making them vulnerable to brain damage, fetal malnourishment, and even death. Although medical professionals are trained to identify this condition, prompt and proper treatment is essential. 

Umbilical cord compression occurs with surprising frequency in the United States. In fact, the U.S. The American Pregnancy Association reported that roughly one out of every ten births involves umbilical cord compression. 

What Causes Umbilical Cord Compression?

There are four primary conditions that can lead to compression of the umbilical cord. They are:

Nuchal Cord

When the umbilical cord gets wrapped around a baby’s neck, it is known as a nuchal cord. If the cord is of average length, about 50 to 60 centimeters, a nuchal cord is unlikely to pose any significant danger. It poses no problems. However, this condition can pose a considerable threat if the cord is longer than average.  

Prolapse into the Cervix

A leading cause of cord compression is prolapse. Prolapse takes place in anywhere from 1.4 to 6.2 out of 1000 pregnancies. When prolapse occurs, the cord slides into the mother’s birth canal after her water breaks but before the fetus has dropped. When the fetus descends, he or she can constrict the cord, decreasing or cutting off their supply of oxygen. This condition puts the newborn in serious danger.  

Uterine Contractions

Umbilical cord compression occurs temporarily and naturally when the mother’s uterus contracts. In these cases, the severity of the compression will determine the severity of the injury to the newborn. Usually, the fetus continues to develop at a normal pace through all three trimesters of pregnancy. In some cases, however, the baby will require medical attention. Medical professionals need to approach every case with precision and care. 

Knotted Cord

A knotted umbilical cord is far less common, occurring in fewer than 2% of pregnancies. Caused by fetal movement inside the womb and not innately harmful, a knotted cord could become an issue if the knot is too tight. As the fetus keeps moving, the knot can tighten, worsening the condition.  

What Risk Factors Lead to Umbilical Cord Compression?

There are numerous risk factors that can increase the odds of umbilical cord compression, including:

• More than one gestation, such as twins and triplets  
• Umbilical cords longer than 60 centimeters
• Hydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid)
• Birth injuries
• Premature delivery  
• Breech birth

There are also some in-utero fetal positions that can lead to compression of the umbilical cord, such as:

• Traverse lie: The baby is sideways, meaning their shoulder, arm, or torso is facing the birth canal  
• Oblique lie: The infant’s head is close to the hip, and the body and head are slanted inside the mother’s pelvis
• Unstable lie: The baby shifts continually during the last 14-21 days of the mother’s pregnancy

How is Umbilical Cord Compression Treated?

Once the compressed portion of the umbilical cord has been identified, your doctor should provide immediate treatment in order to prevent any additional complications. Umbilical cord compression treatment considers the risk posed to the baby’s condition, the baby’s current health status, and the compression’s underlying cause. 

Treatment for Minor Cases of Cord Compression

For minor cases of umbilical cord compression where the infant is in stable condition, a doctor may:

• Change the mother’s position: Sometimes, rearranging the mother into a different position can reduce the compression and allow more blood to flow to the fetus.
• Administer oxygen: Administering oxygen can sometimes help stabilize the infant’s heart rate and prevent any additional compression.

Treatment for Moderate Cases of Cord Compression

In cases of moderate cord compression, healthcare workers may suggest treatment options such as:

• Medication to arrest contractions: During labor, the physician might decide it is necessary to delay contractions. In some cases, this could help the infant recover prior to delivery and resolve umbilical cord compression.
• Intravenous fluids: Intravenous hydration can deliver vital nourishment to the baby if cord compression impedes the delivery of nutrients 

Treatment for Severe Cases of Cord Compression

In cases where there are indications of fetal distress, physicians often propose more aggressive treatments, including:  

• C-Section delivery: If there are indications that the infant is in danger, an emergency life-saving C-section might be performed.
• Manual adjustment of a Nuchal or Prolapsed Cord: Depending on the trimester in which it occurs, the positioning of the umbilical cord, and other pertinent risk factors, it could be possible to manually fix a Nuchal or prolapsed umbilical cord.
• Amnioinfusion: If there is insufficient amniotic fluid, a physician may suggest amnioinfusion. This procedure involves using a saline solution to open the arteries and veins inside the uterus.

What Are the Legal Options for Birth Injuries Caused by Umbilical Cord Compression?

There are steps that doctors can take in order to prevent complications arising from a compressed umbilical cord. If you suspect that your child sustained injuries due to umbilical cord compression resulting from medical negligence, you could be entitled to collect financial compensation.

Some examples of conditions related to umbilical cord compression for which families can obtain recovery include:

• Behavioral or cognitive disorders
• Birth asphyxia
• Cerebral palsy
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
• Fetal acidosis
• Stillbirth
• Developmental disabilities

While every birth injury case is different, some damages that are commonly recoverable in a birth injury lawsuit are:

• Loss of fellowship
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as assistive devices and other medical equipment 
• Current and anticipated medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Funerary expenses

At Rasansky Law Firm, our Dallas birth injury lawyers work diligently to ensure that you and your family collect the financial compensation you need to help your injured child heal. We bring the responsible party to account for their wrongful or negligent actions in hopes of preventing future injuries to other babies. Our compassion and experience enable us to provide total support from our initial investigation and strategy development to negotiations and, if necessary, litigation. By working with us, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands and that you are in the best position possible to get the financial compensation and justice you deserve for your baby’s birth injury. Call us at (214) 651-6100 to schedule your free consultation.